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Richbirdhunter wrote:

Shadow41 wrote:A harmless prank is one thing. This was just outright stupidity. They knew exactly what they were going to cause.

Yes, teenage boys do stupid stuff.They are all testosterone and no brain and they will have a great story to tell and we are adding to it.

In this case, no one was injured and they were not shot which could easily have not been the case. People do odd things when they panic.

If someone gets hurt, they and their parents are getting sued. They might get sued anyway.

Do 3 innocent/injured people add up to a great story?

Does terrorizing the rest of the audience add up to a great story?

No, it doesn't.

If any of those injured and/or terrorized were your loved ones, I think the "great story" perspective would be seen as something quite different.

If the criminals who perpetrated this act are caught, I sincerely hope they do time.

No forgiveness because "hey, boys will be teenage boys" - doesn't fly.

This act was malicious with dreadful consequences.

Abraham wrote:Do 3 innocent/injured people add up to a great story?

Does terrorizing the rest of the audience add up to a great story?

No, it doesn't.

If any of those injured and/or terrorized were your loved ones, I think the "great story" perspective would be seen as something quite different.

If the criminals who perpetrated this act are caught, I sincerely hope they do time.

No forgiveness because "hey, boys will be teenage boys" - doesn't fly.

This act was malicious with dreadful consequences.

I respect your opinion, I disagree with your answer. If anything happens they will get 6 months probation for mischief and a stern talking to.

Richbirdhunter,

I said: "If the criminals who perpetrated this act are caught, I sincerely hope they do time."

Hope springs eternal in the youthful heart...

You know the sentences for this type crime because you're a prosecutor or defense lawyer?

Not trying to be argumentative, just curious as to how you know what their sentences will be if apprehended.

Isn't yelling "Fire" in a movie theater considered a criminal act?

If so, and the leaf blower noise being akin to yelling fire, would the sentence you suggested be the same for yelling "Fire" or ...?

Officials say three people suffered minor injuries as moviegoers rushed out of the theater. One of the victims reportedly went to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian to be checked out.

I missed this part. I guess it depends on what "minor injuries" mean.

Lacerations requiring stitches can be considered minor injuries, severe bruising, and those who know a lot more about what constitutes minor injuries may chime in.

If such happens to you, you might not think such injuries are minor...

Abraham wrote:Lacerations requiring stitches can be considered minor injuries, severe bruising, and those who know a lot more about what constitutes minor injuries may chime in.

If such happens to you, you might not think such injuries are minor...

If your son was the boy with the leaf blower would you ask the judge for a harsh sentence or would your perception change?

Richbirdhunter,

I absolutely would ask the judge to throw the book at him.

My children don't get off the hook they created because their my kids. If they're cruel and stupid, they deserve punishment. I'm disgusted by parents who think no matter what junior does, I'll help him get away with whatever his dirtbag son has done.

Act like a criminal, get criminal sentencing.

Now, how about you answering my questions regarding your knowledge of the sentencing if the criminals are caught.

Abraham wrote:Richbirdhunter,

I absolutely would ask the judge to throw the book at him.

My children don't get off the hook they created because their my kids. If they're cruel and stupid, they deserve punishment. I'm disgusted by parents who think no matter what junior does, I'll help him get away with whatever his dirtbag son has done.

Act like a criminal, get criminal sentencing.

Now, how about you answering my questions regarding your knowledge of the sentencing if the criminals are caught.

I'm not an attorney, however I did grow up in that area and nothings going to happen of those boys as long as it's a first offense. If they have criminal backgrounds the sentence will change. If you think I'm wrong I'll bet you a dollar that they get nothing more than probation as long as it's a first offense

Abraham wrote:Richbirdhunter,

I absolutely would ask the judge to throw the book at him.

My children don't get off the hook they created because their my kids. If they're cruel and stupid, they deserve punishment. I'm disgusted by parents who think no matter what junior does, I'll help him get away with whatever his dirtbag son has done.

Act like a criminal, get criminal sentencing.

Now, how about you answering my questions regarding your knowledge of the sentencing if the criminals are caught.

For the record I would hire an attorney and fight for my family.

Richbirdhunter,

O.K.

You said: "For the record I would hire an attorney and fight for my family"

That sounds noble and I would do the same if I thought junior was NOT at fault.

However, if he is at fault, he should reap what he sowed.

How many parents defend their children who are at fault? Answer: Too many.

So, the kids feel entitled.

Yeah man, I get in trouble and Dad always bails me out. Have I learned my lesson? You bet. I can get away with anything and will continue to do so cuz Dad's got my back no matter what I do. Snicker...

Great, just great!

Abraham wrote:Richbirdhunter,

O.K.

You said: "For the record I would hire an attorney and fight for my family"

That sounds noble and I would do the same if I thought junior was NOT at fault.

However, if he is at fault, he should reap what he sowed.

How many parents defend their children who are at fault? Answer: Too many.

So, the kids feel entitled.

Yeah man, I get in trouble and Dad always bails me out. Have I learned my lesson? You bet. I can get away with anything and will continue to do so cuz Dad's got my back no matter what I do. Snicker...

Great, just great!

If my son was guilty of holding the leaf blower and was arrested for it I would not allow the government employees (The judge and the prosecuting attorney) to solely decide his fate. I a firm believer in what the late great Ronald Reagan said, we are from the government and we're here to help.

Abraham wrote:Richbirdhunter,

O.K.

You said: "For the record I would hire an attorney and fight for my family"

That sounds noble and I would do the same if I thought junior was NOT at fault.

However, if he is at fault, he should reap what he sowed.

How many parents defend their children who are at fault? Answer: Too many.

So, the kids feel entitled.

Yeah man, I get in trouble and Dad always bails me out. Have I learned my lesson? You bet. I can get away with anything and will continue to do so cuz Dad's got my back no matter what I do. Snicker...

Great, just great!

In spades. If your kids can't stand the heat, don't get in the kitchen. I wonder how many parents who tried to mitigate their kids doing things that hurt others in a minor way end up on the witness stand trying to keep them away from the death penalty later in life?

I would much rather they get a little time in jail for a little bit of stupidity that results in others getting hurt, than having to face the catastrophe later in life when they figure they can do whatever they want with no fear of consequences.

And BTW Ronald Reagan wasn't describing the criminal justice system. He was describing the bureaucracy, who rarely does anything of value.

Richbirdhunter,

I gather from your response, you're the kind of parent who defends junior even if he's guilty rather than let him face his consequences.

Years ago, our Sr. V.P. had an out of control son who he always protected with high priced lawyers as his son was always in trouble with the law. I knew the son. He was a dirt bag. He bragged that getting in trouble with the law was no big deal as his Dad would always save his bacon.

The son has been in prison now for a very long time.

My opinion: Defend your offspring if they deserve it, but only if they deserve it.

Enabling a kid whose gone wrong does them no favors in the long run.

Maybe, just maybe, if a kid whose headed down a criminal path finds he's on his own, may turn around.

Abraham wrote:Richbirdhunter,

I gather from your response, you're the kind of parent who defends junior even if he's guilty rather than let him face his consequences.

Years ago, our Sr. V.P. had an out of control son who he always protected with high priced lawyers as his son was always in trouble with the law. I knew the son. He was a dirt bag. He bragged that getting in trouble with the law was no big deal as his Dad would always save his bacon.

The son has been in prison now for a very long time.

My opinion: Defend your offspring if they deserve it, but only if they deserve it.

Enabling a kid whose gone wrong does them no favors in the long run.

Maybe, just maybe, if a kid whose headed down a criminal path finds he's on his own, may turn around.

I think I just found the division in our conversation, I feel that the leaf blower would be better categorized as a prank, rather than an actual crime such as armed robbery.

If my kid was a thief or a drug dealer I would be on board with your stand but I don't equate leaf blowers as felonies